Dupuytren's contracture: an audit of the outcomes of surgery

Patient Insight With Collagenase Treatment for Dupuytren: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE

There appears to be controversy regarding differing patient and physician perceptions of adverse effects (AEs) in the treatment of Dupuytren disease with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH). The aim of this study was to compare the number, type, and severity of AEs perceived and reported by patients and by their physician METHODS: To assess AEs following CCH injection in a standardized way, patients were given a list of predefined complications and asked to rate their severity on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (serious) to 4 (insignificant).

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were included. Patients reported fewer AEs than their physician (mean, 1.48 vs 2.18). There was no agreement between physician- and patient-reported AEs except for skin lacerations, which showed fair agreement (κ = 0.257).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and physicians differ in their evaluation of AEs due to CCH treatment in Dupuytren disease. A fair level of agreement was observed for skin lacerations.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Greater consensus is needed when defining AEs associated with CCH in the treatment of Dupuytren disease.

Full-thickness skin grafting in preventing recurrence of Dupuytren's disease: A systematic review

Dupuytren's disease is a progressive hand disorder characterized by the formation of pathologic nodules and cords in the palm, often leading to progressive flexion contractures. Hand surgery is currently the only efficient treatment to restore hand function, however, reported recurrence rates vary widely. Currently, it remains unclear which type of fasciectomy is associated with the lowest recurrence rate. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to compare recurrence rates after limited fasciectomy, open palm technique, or dermofasciectomy with a full-thickness skin graft. 79 studies were included, and results suggest that a dermofasciectomy with a full-thickness skin graft is associated with a lower recurrence rate. However, most studies were case series in which a wide range of definitions of recurrence was used. Moreover, all studies had a high risk of bias. Therefore, additional comparative clinical trials are recommended that use an unambiguous definition of recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: .

Advanced Dupuytren Contracture: Approach to Management

Dupuytren disease is a common pathologic condition that can be especially challenging to hand surgeons in recurrent or severe contractures. Recurrence risk may be reduced with a variety of techniques, including skin grafting, external fixator application, radiation, and many others described in this article. Management of recurrence requires special attention to anatomy at risk. Adjuvant therapy may help to prevent the progression or recurrence of severe disease.

The Ability of Patients to Provide Standardized, Patient-Taken Photographs for the Remote Assessment of Dupuytren Disease

BACKGROUND

Clinical goniometry for the assessment of contracture in Dupuytren disease is time-consuming and costly, and there is no universal method for evaluating the severity of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of patient-taken photography for the remote assessment of Dupuytren disease.

METHODS

Patients at our unit were provided with instructions on how to take standardized photographs of their diseased hand(s), which were subsequently analyzed by computer software to obtain formal measurements of the severity of disease. Compliance with photography instructions and ability to provide a photo of sufficient quality for analysis were measured.

RESULTS

In all, 222 patients supplied photos for analysis; 158 patients (71.2%) were able to take the photographs as instructed. The remaining 28.8% took 1 or more of the images incorrectly or of insufficient quality. There were no statistically significant differences between those able to take the photos as directly versus those who took the photos incorrectly when compared by sex, age, or severity of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-taken photography used to estimate disease severity in Dupuytren disease is an achievable, efficient, and reliable method of remotely assessing and monitoring patients and may be increasingly useful given the current health care climate and preference for remote consultations.

Outcomes of Management of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

With numerous treatment modalities available, it is unclear whether the treatment of recurrent Dupuytren disease is as effective as its initial treatment. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of management of recurrent Dupuytren contracture.

METHODS

Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to April 2020. Studies of patients aged above 18 years undergoing treatment for recurrent Dupuytren contractures were included. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions tool was used for quality assessment. The study was registered with Open Science Foundation.

RESULTS

A systematic review identified 12 studies: 311 patients with 224 affected digits-index (n = 5; 2.2%), long (n = 17; 7.6%), ring (n = 57; 25.4%), small (n = 112; 50%), and unspecified (n = 33; 14.7%); of these, there were 76 metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ; 45.5%), 90 proximal phalangeal joints (PIPJ; 53.9%), and 1 distal interphalangeal joint (0.6%). Previous treatment included the following: percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (n = 103 of 311 patients; 33.1%), collagenase clostridium histolyticum-injection (CCH; n = 75 of 311; 24.1%), limited fasciectomy (LF) ± skin graft (n = 83 of 311; 26.7%), fasciotomy (n = 1 of 311; 0.3%), and unspecified (n = 64 of 311; 20.6%). Recurrence was treated by percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (n = 68 of 311 patients; 21.9%); CCH injection (n = 53 of 311; 17.0%); aponeurotomy or dermofasciectomy or LF (n = 176 of 311; 56.6%); ray/digit amputation (n = 8 of 311; 2.6%); and PIPJ arthrodesis (n = 6 of 293; 2.0%). Range of motion was improved by 23.31° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.13°-33.50°; I² = 67%; P = .05) and 15.49° (95% CI = 2.67°-28.31°; I² = 76%; P = .01) for MCPJ and PIPJ, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is low level of evidence that both surgical and nonsurgical treatments provide clinically important improvements for recurrent Dupuytren contracture.

Effect of Oral Prednisolone after Collagenase Injection for Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial with a 1-Year Follow-Up

Introduction This study verified the effectiveness of oral prednisolone after collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) (10 mg/day for 2 weeks) for Dupuytren’s contracture with a 1-year follow-up.

Materials and Methods This study included 31 patients with a contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint of ≥ 30 degrees. A total of 16 patients were allocated randomly to treatment with prednisolone and 15 patients were treated without prednisolone (control group).

Results At day 7, mean total active motion (TAM) was 235 degrees in the prednisolone group and 228 degrees in the control group. Mean Visual Analog Scale was 3.3 in the prednisolone group and 4.6 in the control group. There was significant difference between two groups. At day 30, mean TAM was 241 degrees in the prednisolone group and 233 degrees in the control group. There were significant difference between two groups The mean QuickDASH score was significantly higher in the control group (5.8 vs. 3.4). Recurrence was observed in 2/16 patients (13%) in the prednisolone group and 5/15 patients (33%) in the control group; there was no significant difference.

Conclusion The administration of prednisolone decreased the likelihood of adverse effects, and also improved finger flexion range of motion and reduced pain after CCH.

Dupuytren's interventions surgery versus collagenase (DISC) trial: study protocol for a pragmatic, two-arm parallel-group, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial

Background

Dupuytren’s contracture is a fibro-proliferative disease of the hands affecting over 2 million UK adults, particularly the white, male population. Surgery is the traditional treatment; however, recent studies have indicated that an alternative to surgery—collagenase clostridium histolyticum (collagenase)—is better than a placebo in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. There is however no robust randomised controlled trial that provides a definitive answer on the clinical effectiveness of collagenase compared with limited fasciectomy surgery. Dupuytren’s intervention surgery vs collagenase trial (DISC) trial was therefore designed to fill this evidence gap.

Methods/design

The DISC trial is a multi-centre pragmatic two-arm parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Participants will be assigned 1:1 to receive either collagenase injection or surgery (limited fasciectomy).

We aim to recruit 710 adult participants with Dupuytren’s contracture. Potential participants will be identified in primary and secondary care, screened by a delegated clinician and if eligible and consenting, baseline data will be collected and randomisation completed.

The primary outcome will be the self-reported patient evaluation measure assessed 1 year after treatment. Secondary outcome measures include the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main Scale, the Michigan Hand Questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L, resource use, further procedures, complications, recurrence, total active movement and extension deficit, and time to return to function. Given the limited evidence comparing recurrence rates following collagenase injection and limited fasciectomy, and the importance of a return to function as soon as possible for patients, the associated measures for each will be prioritised to allow treatment effectiveness in the context of these key elements to be assessed.

An economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments, and a qualitative sub-study will assess participants’ experiences and preferences of the treatments.

Discussion

The DISC trial is the first randomised controlled trial, to our knowledge, to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of collagenase compared to limited fasciectomy surgery for patients with Dupuytren’s contracture.

Trial registration

Clinical.Trials.gov ISRCTN18254597. Registered on April 11, 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05595-w.

Epidemiology of Dupuytren disease and Patients Undergoing Selective Fasciectomy

Objective  To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with Dupuytren disease treated by selective fasciectomy and the factors associated with the severity of the disease.

Methods  Retrospective descriptive observational study involving 247 patients with Dupuytren disease, from 2013 to 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for data analysis.

Results  Most patients were male (83.8%), self-declared white (65.2%), alcoholics (59.6%) and 49% were smokers, with a mean age of 66 ± 9 years old, with 77.2% presenting symptoms of the disease after the age of 51 years old. Approximately 51.9, 29.6 and 17.3%, respectively, had arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia comorbidities. Bilateral involvement of the hands was observed in 73.3% of the patients. The rate of intra- and post-selective fasciectomy complications was of 0.6 and 24.3%, respectively, with 5.2% of the patients needing reintervention after 1 year of follow-up. After multivariate analysis, males were associated with bilateral involvement of the hands (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–4.31) and with a greater number of affected rays (OR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.66–7.03). Dyslipidemia was associated with reintervention (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 1.03–31.4) and bilaterality with a higher number of complications (35.7 versus 19.7%).

Conclusion  A low rate of reintervention and operative complications was observed in patients with Dupuytren disease treated by selective fasciectomy. Male gender was associated with severe disease (bilaterality and more than two affected rays), and dyslipidemia with reintervention.

Biological Targets for Dupuytren Disease

ABSTRACT

Dupuytren disease is a connective tissue disorder occurring on the palm, causing flexion contractures of fingers. There is a pressing need for therapeutic interventions that can slow, stop, or even incrementally reverse the progression of the disease. Numerous in vitro studies have shed light on cellular and molecular agents that contribute to contractures. This article comprehensively reviews various growth factors that can be targeted to prevent and limit the progression and recurrence of Dupuytren contracture (DC). Fibroblasts are the major cell population that has been reported for the contractures in DC, and they are also known to exacerbate the cytokine production. Limiting the fibroblast function by targeting the growth factor production will be of great benefit in treating DC. This review will focus on the studies that have shown to limit the exaggerated function of fibroblasts by reducing the expression of profibrotic growth factors by using antagonizing agents.

Skin grafting prevents recurrence in Dupuytren's disease and extension correlates with fibrosis diathesis score

Full thickness grafting can be considered after fasciectomy for Dupuytren contracture in severe cases with skin shortage or in radical dermofasciectomy. It is a common dogma that these skin grafts may prevent disease recurrence. We reviewed 47 patients after fasciectomy and full-thickness skin grafting for Dupuytren contracture at 3-16 years' follow-up. Recurrence beneath the skin graft and extension of the disease in the rest of the hand were recorded. Age at onset, gender and factors considered to influence the outcome due to fibrosis diathesis, such as bilateral disease, family history and ectopic lesions, were noted. The Tubiana classification was used to grade disease severity at surgery and at follow-up. None of the patients manifested recurrence underneath the skin graft, but the disease did show extension in 83% of cases. Disease extension was more likely in patients with higher fibrosis diathesis scores. We conclude that skin grafting may prevent disease recurrence underneath the grafts, but extension of the disease correlates with fibrosis diathesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic cohort study.

The efficacies and limitations of fasciectomy and collagenase clostridium histolyticum in Dupuytren's contracture management: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We intend to assess the efficacies and limitations of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) and fasciectomy in treating Dupuytren's contracture, and the associated complications and rate of recurrences aiming to present a treatment algorithm.

METHODS

A literature search within the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases was performed using the combined key words 'Dupuytren, palmar aponeurosis contracture, collagenase clostridium histolyticum and fasciectomy', including all possible studies with a set of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were assessed for eligibility from 215 identified records. Seventeen publications satisfied the inclusion criteria including 2142 joints in 1784 patients. The mean follow-up time was 18.0 months (3-60).

CONCLUSION

Acceptable contractures release was obtained in both techniques. Severe complications associated with fasciectomy outrank those of CCH, whereas the low rate of recurrence favors the fasciectomy technique.

Cost-effectiveness of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture Treatment

IMPORTANCE

Owing to its tendency to recur, Dupuytren contracture often requires multiple treatments, which places additional economic burden on health care. The likelihood of contracture recurrence varies not only with treatment but also with disease characteristics, such as contracture severity and location, but prior cost-effectiveness analyses of Dupuytren contracture treatments have not considered these patient-specific disease characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the most cost-effective treatment regimen for patients with recurrent Dupuytren contracture.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This economic evaluation was conducted with state-transition microsimulation modeling using data from published studies and Medicare. A simulated cohort of 10 000 individuals with Dupuytren contracture was created. Patients could transition yearly between the following health states: symptom-free, symptomatic, and death. Available treatments were collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), and limited fasciectomy (LF); individuals randomly chose any treatment when symptomatic. Patients were limited to 3 rounds of treatment for a contracture affecting 1 joint, totaling 27 unique combinations. If the contracture recurred after 3 treatments, patients lived with the disease for the remainder of life.

EXPOSURES

PNA, collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, or LF.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), total costs (in US dollars), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). A willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per quality-adjusted life-year was used to assess cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

For the base case scenario of a patient aged 60 years with recurrent, low-severity metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint contracture, repeated PNA treatment was the only cost-effective treatment (2 PNA treatments followed by LF vs 3 PNA treatments, ICER [Monte Carlo SE]: $212 647/QALY [$36 000/QALY]). For recurrent high-severity MCP joint contractures, treatment regimens composed of PNA and LF were cost-effective (ICER [Monte Carlo SE], $93 932/QALY [$16 500/QALY]). LF was cost-effective for high-severity MCP joint contracture (ICER [Monte Carlo SE], $98 624/QALY [$26 233/QALY]). For recurrent proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures, PNA was the only cost-effective treatment, regardless of severity (eg, 2 PNA treatments followed by LF vs 3 PNA treatments for low-severity PIP joint contracture, ICER [Monte Carlo SE]: $263 726/QALY [$29 000/QALY]). Any combination with collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection compared with 3 PNA treatments had an ICER greater than $100 000 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated a 44%, 15%, 41%, and 52% chance of a regimen consisting of only PNA being cost-effective in low-severity MCP, high-severity MCP, low-severity PIP, and high-severity PIP joint contractures, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this study suggest that LF is a cost-effective intervention for recurrent high-severity MCP joint contractures. For recurrent low-severity MCP joint contractures and PIP joint contractures of all severity levels, PNA was the only cost-effective intervention. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections were not a cost-effective intervention for recurrent Dupuytren contracture and should not be preferred over PNA or LF.

Proposal for Treatment of Severe Dupuytren Disease in 2 Steps: Progressive Distraction With External Fixator and Collagenase - A Preliminary Case Series

Background: We want to describe a treatment for advanced Dupuytren disease using a spanning external fixator (EF) applied dorsally to produce progressive extension, followed by collagenase injection. Methods: Between October 2014 and September 2016, a total of 22 fingers from 18 patients were treated with an EF. The devices were implanted under local anesthesia, and the patients were instructed to gradually extend the hinge to gain a progressive extension. The EF was removed in an outpatient clinic setting after obtaining a complete extension of the treated joint in a mean of 19 days (range 15-22 days), and a collagenase injection was performed in the residual cord after a mean of 20 days (18-24 days), followed by splinting. Results: All patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 14 months (range 3-23 months): the total average residual flexion deformity was 9.7° (range 0°-19°) with a correction of 107.2° (range 94°-138°), the average flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 7.4° (range 0°-15°) with a correction of 64.4° (range 46°-92°), and the average flexion deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint was 2.4° (range 0°-9°) with a correction of 42.8° (range 15°-59°). No complications were reported in relation to EF treatment. Two cases of cutaneous laceration after collagenase injection were observed, neither of which required any additional treatment. Conclusions: All patients obtained a regression from 2 to 3 stages in disease severity only with EF. We had no report of complications due to the device. After collagenase injection and splinting, we obtained further finger extension with a mean total residual flexion deformity of 9.7° at 14-month follow-up.

A systematic review identifying outcomes and outcome measures in Dupuytren's disease research

This systematic review summarizes the outcome reporting standards in Dupuytren's disease treatment research. A search of Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and CINAHL was conducted. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series published between 1997 and 2017, investigating treatment of Dupuytren's disease with fasciectomy, fasciotomy, or collagenase, were eligible for inclusion. Range of motion was the most commonly reported outcome, appearing in 77% of included studies. Outcomes, such as range of motion, recurrence, and clinical success, were frequently defined, however many different definitions were used. We identified 37 unique measurement methods for range of motion, 28 for recurrence, and 25 for clinical success. Most outcomes were assessed at multiple time points, and only a few studies reported results according to established clinical significance thresholds. Development of a core outcome set will help standardize outcome reporting, and ensure future research in this field is relevant, interpretable, and amenable to systematic review and/or meta-analysis.

Development of a Patient-Based Goniometric System for the Assessment of Contracture Conditions in Dupuytren's Disease

BACKGROUND

Treatment outcomes of Dupuytren's disease depend largely on degree of contracture and biological severity. Longitudinal assessment of each is crucial for effective care and long-term outcome assessment. Ideally, each Dupuytren's patient should have ongoing interval evaluations. Because of the large number of Dupuytren's patients, it would be impractical and costly for health care professionals to examine every patient in person on a regular basis. Patient-based evaluations might provide a useful and cost-effective alternative to office-based examination.

METHODS

Finger goniometry is the standard metric for office-based evaluation of Dupuytren's disease. This study's goal was to develop a new patient-reported goniometric system. The authors developed a completely Web-based goniometric software for patients to use without supervision and without undue effort or cost. They then evaluated the validity and precision of the core measurement system and the reliability of its patient-based application.

RESULTS

With a correlation of 0.992 (p < 0.01), a mean deviation of -0.25 degree, and a standard deviation of 2.74 degrees in patient-based application, the authors found their goniometric software to be comparable to practitioner-based, conventional goniometry. The authors believe patient-based goniometry to be a sufficiently accurate, valid, and reliable approach for longitudinal clinical assessment of Dupuytren's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-based goniometric approaches have great potential for inexpensive, accurate, and accessible longitudinal assessment of the large population of Dupuytren's patients. Such approaches could help to substantially improve overall care of Dupuytren's disease through early diagnosis and timely treatment. In addition, being able to collect reliable patient data on a regular basis and on a larger scale could help improve understanding of the natural history of Dupuytren's disease.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, I.

Durability of Collagenase Treatment for Dupuytren Disease of the Thumb and First Web After at Least 2 Years' Follow-Up

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the durability of the treatment results of the thumb and first web contractures in Dupuytren disease with collagenase Clostridium histolyticum.

METHODS

Twelve patients (14 hands) were followed for an average of 35 months (range, 24-42 months). Two patients (3 hands) were excluded, yielding 11 hands available for assessment. Nondurability was defined as a worsening of at least 20° of passive extension deficit at a treated joint or any decrease greater than 5 mm in intermetacarpal head distance, both relative to 30 days after injection or as intervention to correct new/worsening contracture. Durability was compared with that of a historic cohort of treated finger contractures.

RESULTS

Five out of 11 patients with a metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint contracture or first web contracture had a nondurable result at an average of 35 months. Results obtained at metacarpophalangeal joints of thumbs were more durable than those of interphalangeal joints. Most of the recurrences occurred in interphalangeal joints.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of thumb and first web contractures was not durable in nearly half of the cases at an average follow-up of 35 months, and durability was clearly less than that of treated finger contractures.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix Following Fasciectomy for the Treatment of Dupuytren's Disease

Background:

Recurrence rates following surgical intervention for Dupuytren's disease (DD) remains high. In this study, we investigate the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to reduce recurrence and improve long-term clinical outcome.

Methods:

We examined 132 patients undergoing open fasciectomy for DD from 2007 to 2017. The experimental group had a sheet of ADM (FlexHD) sutured into the surgical bed controls were not closed with ADM. Patient characteristics, range of motion, and complications were examined.

Results:

Twenty-eight (21.2%) patients were treated with acellular dermal matrix, whereas 104 (78.8%) patients were not. The median age was 67.0 years (range 34–91 years). with no differences between group regarding age, comorbidities, and laterality. The mean preoperative interphalangeal joint flexion contracture in the ADM group of 66.5 ± 29.9 degrees was corrected to 9.7 ± 12.4 degrees, whereas the mean metacarpophalangeal joint preoperative flexion contracture of 51.4 ± 23.9 degrees was corrected to 7.8 ± 14.1 degrees at postoperative examination (P < 0.05). The median follow-up was 18.7 months, during which the recurrence of contracture was observed in 1 of 28 patients in the group receiving ADM compared with 9 of 104 in the control group (P = 0.37). There were no differences in the incidence of minor wound complications observed.

Conclusion:

The adjunct placement of acellular dermal matrix into the wound bed following fasciectomy for DD may be an important surgical strategy to reduce recurrence rates as well as augment coverage of exposed vital structures in cases of severe flexion contracture.

3-Dimensional fasciectomy: A highly efficacious common ground approach to Dupuytren's surgery

BACKGROUND

Numerous Dupuytren's fasciectomy techniques have been described, each associated with unique surgical challenges, complications and recurrence rates. We describe a common ground surgical approach to Dupuytren's disease; 3-dimensional fasciectomy (3DF). 3DF aims to address the potential contributors to the high recurrence rate of Dupuytren's disease and unite current limited fasciectomy practice that varies considerably between surgeons.

METHODS

We describe the 3DF principles; raising thin skin flaps (addressing dermal involvement), excising diseased palmar fascia with a 3-5 mm clearance margin (treating highly locally recurrent conditions) and excising the vertical septae of Legueu and Juvara (providing deep clearance, hence addressing all potentially involved pathological tissue). The surgical outcomes between traditional limited fasciectomy (LF) and 3DF are compared.

RESULTS

From the 786 operations included (n=585), postoperative recurrence rates were significantly lower for the 3DF group (2/145, 1.4%) than the LF group (72/641, 11.2%) (P=0.001), and the time to recurrence was significantly longer (5.0±0 years vs. 4.0±0.2 years; P<0.0001). With recurrence excluded, there were no differences between the postoperative complication rates for 3DF (5/145, 3.5%) and LF (41/641, 6.4%) (P=0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that 3DF leads to lower recurrence rates and a longer disease-free period for patients, without increasing complications. 3DF provides a safe, efficacious, common ground surgical approach in the treatment of Dupuytren's flexion deformity.

Outcomes at 7 and 21 years after surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease by fasciectomy and open-palm technique

The goal of this study was to assess the recurrence of Dupuytren's disease and the stability of the functional result after fasciectomy combined with the McCash open-palm technique. From 1989 to 1999, 56 consecutive patients were surgically treated for Dupuytren's disease. In 2003, 40 of these operated patients were reviewed by an independent evaluator; 12 patients were Tubiana stage 1, 16 stage 2, 9 stage 3 and 3 stage 4. Twenty-one of them were reviewed again in 2016 by a second evaluator who was unaware of the clinical results in 2003. The mean follow-up was 7.32 years (range, 4.26 to 12.5 years) at the first review. Recurrence occurred in 7 patients (17.5%) and extension of the disease in 15 (37.5%). Three patients had developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Mean residual contracture was 19.3°. Average improvement in finger extension was 53°. At the second review, 21 patients were assessed with a mean follow-up of 21.5 years (range, 18.7 to 26.3 years). None of them were re-operated and no extension of the disease was observed. There was no recurrence in patients who had no recurrence in 2003. However, the contracture had worsened in five patients (23.8%), three of whom had a recurrence of the disease in 2003. Mean residual contracture was 31.8°. Recurrence occurs most often in the first few years after surgery. The functional result is stable over time. CRPS and the number of rays operated are the main factors negatively affecting overall improvement of mobility.

Fasciectomy for Dupuytren Contracture

This article discusses limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren contracture, reviews the literature to list common complications, addresses the observations that need to be made after surgery, and systematically reviews the literature for 2 clinical questions: (1) regarding leaving wounds open and (2) the use of postoperative splintage.

Comparative Outcomes of Dupuytren Disease Treatment

Despite more than a hundred years of publications on Dupuytren disease, there has been a lack of consensus on definitions and outcomes until recently. Staging and classifications systems have an important historical context; however, more recently, outcomes rely on patient-reported outcomes, angular correction, and definitions of recurrence. This article reviews commonly used assessments, classifications, and staging systems for Dupuytren disease.

Corticosteroid inhibits differentiation of palmar fibromatosis-derived stem cells (FSCs) through downregulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)

Treatment for musculoskeletal fibromatosis remains challenging. Surgical excision for fibromatosis is the standard therapy but recurrence remains high. Corticosteroids, an anti-fibrogenic compound, have been used to treat early stage palmar fibromatosis, but the mechanism is unknown. We investigated the inhibitory mechanism effect of corticosteroids in the murine model of fibromatosis nodule as well as in cultured FSCs. Quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) staining for markers of myofibroblasts (α-smooth muscle actin and type III collagen) were used to examine the effect of dexamethasone on myofibroblasic differentiation of FSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling and its downstream targets were examined using western blot analysis. TGF-β1 expression in FSCs before and after dexamethasone treatment was compared. In addition, inhibition of TGF-β1 expression was examined using RNA interference (RNAi) on FSCs, both in vitro and in vivo. Treating FSCs with dexamethasone inhibited FSCs’ myofibroblastic differentiation in vitro. Treating FSCs with dexamethasone before or after implantation further inhibited formation of fibromatosis nodules. Dexamethasone suppressed expression of TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3 by FSCs in vitro. TGF-β1 knockdown FSCs showed reducing myofibroblastic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, addition of TGF-β1 abolished dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of myofibroblastic differentiation. Dexamethasone inhibits the myofibroblastic differentiated potential of FSCs both in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of TGF-β1 expression in FSCs. TGF-β1 plays a key role in myofibroblastic differentiation.

Thirty-Day Reoperation and/or Admission After Elective Hand Surgery in Adults: A 10-Year Review

PURPOSE

Whereas acute complications following elective hand surgery have been assumed to be rare, the incidence of 30-day unplanned reoperation and/or admission for the most common elective procedures has not been well described. Our goal was to calculate the incidence and identify the risk factors associated with these complications in a busy academic practice.

METHODS

Our institution's quality assurance database was examined retrospectively for unplanned reoperations and/or admissions within 30 days in adults undergoing elective procedures with 2 senior attending surgeons from February 2006 to January 2016. Each event was categorized by causative factor and charts were reviewed to establish risk factors and cultured organisms. Our billing database was examined for the concomitant procedural volume.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 18,081 surgeries (57.6% carpal tunnel or trigger digit releases), 27 patients had an unplanned reoperation and/or admission within 30 days (0.15% total incidence; including carpal tunnel release, 0.10%; trigger digit release, 0.09%; major wrist surgery, 0.74%) including 17 infections (0.09%). These were unevenly distributed over time after surgery with 29.6% occurring within 7 days, 59.2% in 8 to 14 days, 11.1% in 15 to 21 days, and none between 22 and 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Reoperations and/or unplanned admission within 30 days after elective hand surgery are infrequent (15 per 10,000 cases) and are most commonly related to infections (63.0%). More invasive surgeries are associated with a higher incidence than simpler procedures, and these complications are most likely to occur within 3 weeks after surgery. These data in elective patients do not cover certain clinically relevant outcomes, such as chronic pain or limited function, and may not be generalizable to all practices.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

[Primary intervention in Dupuytren's disease]

Partial aponeurectomy as the state-of-the-art treatment in Dupuytren's disease is indicated when minimally invasive forms of treatment, such as needle aponeurotomy or percutaneous collagenase injection, are not possible due to the advanced stage of the disease or the morphology of the contracture. Even in earlier stages of Dupuytren disease partial aponeurectomy has advantages in comparison to minimally invasive forms of treatment. These advantages are lower recurrence rates as well as less persistent residual contractures, especially in the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Safety and Effectiveness of Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren's Disease in the Palm

Purpose  Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is performed in the authors' department to treat Dupuytren's contracture at metacarpophalangeal joints. This study aimed to establish its safety and efficacy, compared with standard fasciectomy. Materials and Methods  All patients who had this procedure performed over the study period were sent the validated British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) postal questionnaire assessing surgical outcome. Hand function and disability were assessed using the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM). Results  Statistically significant improvement was achieved in Dupuytren's contracture at the mean follow-up of 15 months (SD +/- 10). Approximately 97% of the fingers fully corrected at surgery remain straight. Recurrence rate was 2.2% among fully corrected fingers. However, 2 (40%) out of 5 partially corrected fingers had recurrence. No complication of any kind was noted and no antibiotics used. Hand function was measured using PEM score correlated well with the residual contracture. Conclusion  Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is safe, effective, has very low complication rates, and yields comparable results to standard fasciectomy.

A clinical trial of tension and compression orthoses for Dupuytren contractures

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial on 2 patient groups with Dupuytren's disease.

INTRODUCTION

Despite an unpredictable outcome, surgery remains an important treatment for Dupuytren's disease. Orthotic devices are a controversial noninvasive treatment method to influence the myofibroblasts in the nodules.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To detect how much improvement 2 types of orthotic device (tension and compression) as only treatment intervention can provide on a Dupuytren's contracture. Is a compression orthosis better than a tension orthosis?

METHODS

Thirty patients with measurable flexion contractures of the fingers were identified. Both primary and recurrence cases were included. Patients were randomized in 2 groups of 15 patients. One group had a standard tension orthosis (Levame), the other group a newly designed silicon compression orthotic device. Patients were instructed to wear the orthotic devices 20 hours a day during 3 months. Data were collected at first visit and after 3 months of orthotic treatment. Primary outcomes were active extension deficit of each joint and total active extension (TAE) of the digit. Secondary outcome was patient satisfaction. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of function and esthetics (0-10 points) were recorded at the start and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Flexion contracture was reduced at least 5 degrees in all patients. After 3 months, TAE was significantly reduced in both groups (both P < .001).The mean change in TAE was 32.36° in the tension group and 46.47° in the compression group. Although reduction of TAE deficit was bigger in the compression group, this difference was not statistically significant (P = .39). VAS scale of esthetics and functionality was significantly increased in both treatment groups. The functional VAS scale after 3 months was 11% higher in the compression group than in the tension group (P = .03). A major complication of a tension orthotic is skin ulcers.

DISCUSSION

Too much tension may cause myofibroblast stimulation and disease progression, whereas continuous limited tension can improve flexion contractures. The idea of a compression device is based on the treatment concept of hypertrophic burn scars.

CONCLUSION

Tension and compression orthotic devices can be used as a nonoperative treatment of Dupuytren's disease in both early proliferative untreated hands and aggressive postsurgery recurrence. Although there is no statistically significant difference, compression orthoses appear to be more effective and are better tolerated. Nevertheless, adjustment of orthotic design and research on long-term results are needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I (Randomized controlled trial, Therapeutic study).

To remember: Radiotherapy - a successful treatment for early Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a common fibroproliferative condition of the hand which tends to cause progressive digital flexion contracture. Therapeutic strategies to treat the disease include radiotherapy, injections of collagenase clostridium histolyticum, needle fasciotomy and extended surgical intervention dependent on involvement and duration of the disease. We have reviewed the literature with the aim to assess the conditions and effects of radiotherapy in DD. In early stages of the disease, radiotherapy resulted in regression of symptoms/a lack of progression found on average in 40% (range 10-85%)/81% (range 50-100%) of the patients with recurrence rates of only 12-31% after long-term follow-up (>4 years). These results proved to be significantly better than in the untreated patients with natural course of the disease (about 50% progression after a follow-up of 5-6 years). Long-term side-effects (skin dryness) are observed on average in one quarter of the patients, but are well tolerated. Local occurrence of malignancies has not been reported yet. Due to severe functional impairment leading to individual suffering and the high economic burden, treatment of DD in early stages is necessary and radiation therapy represents an effective, safe and economic treatment option.

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture: systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Dupuytren's disease is a slowly progressive condition of the hand, characterised by the formation of nodules in the palm that gradually develop into fibrotic cords. Contracture of the cords produces deformities of the fingers. Surgery is recommended for moderate and severe contractures, but complications and/or recurrences are frequent. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) has been developed as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for some patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of collagenase as an alternative to surgery for adults with Dupuytren's contracture with a palpable cord.

DATA SOURCES

We searched all major electronic databases from 1990 to February 2014.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised comparative studies and observational studies involving collagenase and/or surgical interventions were considered. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. A de novo Markov model was developed to assess cost-effectiveness of collagenase, percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) and limited fasciectomy (LF). Results were reported as incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken to investigate model and parameter uncertainty.

RESULTS

Five RCTs comparing collagenase with placebo (493 participants), three RCTs comparing surgical techniques (334 participants), two non-randomised studies comparing collagenase and surgery (105 participants), five non-randomised comparative studies assessing various surgical procedures (3571 participants) and 15 collagenase case series (3154 participants) were included. Meta-analyses of RCTs assessing CCH versus placebo were performed. Joints randomised to collagenase were more likely to achieve clinical success. Collagenase-treated participants experienced significant reduction in contracture and an increased range of motion compared with placebo-treated participants. Participants treated with collagenase also experienced significantly more adverse events, most of which were mild or moderate. Four serious adverse events were observed in the collagenase group: two tendon ruptures, one pulley rupture and one complex regional pain syndrome. Two tendon ruptures were also reported in two collagenase case series. Non-randomised studies comparing collagenase with surgery produced variable results and were at high risk of bias. Serious adverse events across surgery studies were low. Recurrence rates ranged from 0% (at 90 days) to 100% (at 8 years) for collagenase and from 0% (at 2.7 years for fasciectomy) to 85% (at 5 years for PNF) for surgery. The results of the de novo economic analysis show that PNF was the cheapest treatment option, whereas LF generated the greatest QALY gains. Collagenase was more costly and generated fewer QALYs compared with LF. LF was £1199 more costly and generated an additional 0.11 QALYs in comparison with PNF. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £10,871 per QALY gained. Two subgroup analyses were conducted for a population of patients with moderate and severe disease and up to two joints affected. In both subgroup analyses, collagenase remained dominated.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitation of the review was the lack of head-to-head RCTs comparing collagenase with surgery and the limited evidence base for estimating the effects of specific surgical procedures (fasciectomy and PNF). Substantial differences across studies further limited the comparability of available evidence. The economic model was derived from a naive indirect comparison and was hindered by a lack of suitable data. In addition, there was considerable uncertainty about the appropriateness of many assumptions and parameters used in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Collagenase was significantly better than placebo. There was no evidence that collagenase was clinically better or worse than surgical treatments. LF was the most cost-effective choice to treat moderate to severe contractures, whereas collagenase was not. However, the results of the cost-utility analysis are based on a naive indirect comparison of clinical effectiveness, and a RCT is required to confirm or refute these findings.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013006248.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Cost comparison of open fasciectomy versus percutaneous needle aponeurotomy for treatment of Dupuytren contracture

BACKGROUND

Many surgical options exist for the treatment of Dupuytren contracture. Little has been written regarding their financial implications. The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate direct costs of open fasciectomy to percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (NA) for the surgical treatment of Dupuytren contracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed comparing patients treated with open fasciectomy (group 1) to patients treated with percutaneous NA (group 2) for the treatment of Dupuytren disease from 2008 to 2010. Financial and medical records were reviewed. Direct cost of treatment was calculated from hospital billing records, including surgical, anesthesia, and facility fees. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t test.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients received open segmental palmar and/or digital fasciectomy (group 1). Average preoperative metacarpophalangeal joint flexion contracture was 30 degrees, and proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture was 42 degrees. Group 2 consisted of 24 patients. Average preoperative metacarpophalangeal flexion contracture was 31 degrees, and proximal interphalangeal flexion contracture was 27 degrees. Mean cost for group 1 was $11,240 and mean cost for group 2 was $4657 (P < 0.0001). Immediate postoperative contracture correction was similar between both. Two complications occurred in group 1 (wound dehiscence and nerve injury); no complications in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous NA is associated with decreased direct costs in the short-term compared to traditional open fasciectomy with comparable deformity correction.

Collagenase Treatment in Dupuytren Contractures: A Review of the Current State Versus Future Needs

Dupuytren disease is highly prevalent and the finger contractures can be very extensile, compromising the patients' hand function. To restore full function, contractures have been addressed by cutting the causative strands for nearly 200 years, ever since Baron Guillaume Dupuytren demonstrated his technique at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Surgery can be minimal (fasciotomy) or quite invasive (fasciectomy and even skin replacement). However, in the last decade translational research has introduced the non-surgical technique of enzymatic fasciotomy with collagenase injections. Now, finger contractures can be released with single injections on monthly intervals, to address one joint contracture at a time. However, in hands affected with Dupuytren contractures to the extent that the patient calls for treatment, most often more than one joint is involved. In surgical treatment options all contracted joints are addressed in a single procedure. Nevertheless, extensile surgery withholds inherent risks of complications and intense rehabilitation. Today, the minimally-invasive method with enzymatic fasciotomy by collagenase injection has demonstrated reliable outcomes with few morbidities and early recovery. However, single-site injection is todays' standard procedure and multiple joints are addressed in several sessions with monthly intervals. This triggers a longer recovery and treatment burden in severely affected hands even though surgery is avoided. Therefore, further treatment modalities of collagenase use are explored. Adjustments in the treatment regimes' flexibility and collagenase injections addressing more than one joint contracture simultaneously will improve the burden of multiple sessions and, therefore, enzymatic fasciotomy may become the preferred method in more extensile Dupuytren contractures. In this independent review, the challenge of Dupuytren disease affecting a single versus multiple joints is presented. The pros and cons of collagenase use are weighed, founded by the available scientific background. The demands and options for collagenase in future treatment regimens for extensile Dupuytren contractures are discussed.

Dupuytren's Contracture: A Bibliometric Study of the Most Cited Papers

The literature on Dupuytren's contracture is vast yet little information is known as to which papers have been the most influential. The purpose of this study was to identify the 50 most cited papers on Dupuytren's contracture and perform a citation analysis. Utilizing the Web of Science, 23 surgical, medical, plastic and hand surgery journals were searched for papers on Dupuytren's contracture. Resulting articles were ranked in order of times cited and each paper was analyzed for article-type, year of publication, country of origin, institution and level of evidence. The 50 most cited articles represent many important landmarks in Dupuytren's treatment and contain several seminal works by experts in the field. Whilst the top 50 list highlights the important papers on the condition, they certainly do not provide information about the quality of the evidence of the research, as most papers presented level 4 or 5 evidence.

Comparison between Collagenase Injection and Partial Fasciectomy in the Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture

Background: A comparative study between two treatment methods (collagenase injection and open partial fasciectomy) for Dupuytren’s contracture. This study will determine differences in clinical outcome, complication rate and patient satisfaction.

Methods: 37 patients with 62 metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) and 44 proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) treated. There were 21 MCP joints (34%) and 8 PIP joints (18%) treated with injection. The remaining 66% of MCP joints and 82% of PIP joints were treated by open partial fasciectomy.

Results: Overall, both treatment methods were successful in correcting the passive extension deficit in the MCP and PIP joints. Minor complications were reported in 45% of patients in the injection group versus 42% in the surgery group. Patient satisfaction was nearly equal for both groups.

Conclusions: Both treatment options have proven their effectiveness in treating Dupuytren’s contracture. Open surgery is able to address additional joint contracture problems commonly associated with Dupuytren’s disease. Collagenase injection has the advantage of early return of hand function and avoidance of surgical complications.

Clinical Results of Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren's Disease in Japanese Patients

BACKGROUND

Clinical results of percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) in Japanese patients with Dupuytren's disease are reported.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 51 patients (103 fingers: 1 index, 9 middle, 47 ring, and 46 small) underwent PNF at 99 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and 68 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Patients were assessed postoperatively after 1 day, at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Correction of contracture was measured in degrees, and an improvement index (% improvement) was described previously by Tonkin et al. A correction of the contracture to 5° or less at each joint and at each digital ray represented a successful correction. The recurrence rates in MCP and PIP joints were also evaluated. Correlations between the Tubiana classification stage and successful correction, % improvement, and recurrence rate were evaluated. The relationships between recurrence rate and the diathesis score (more/less than 5 points) and between recurrence rate and age at surgery (<50/≥50 years) were also examined.

RESULTS

In MCP and PIP joints, the improvement maintained at final follow-up was 89% and 57%, respectively, with successful corrections in 89% and 76%, respectively. PNF corrected digital rays at various Tubiana stages: stage 1 = 100%, stage 2 = 82%, stage 3 = 46%, and stage 4 = 0%. Improvements were preserved in stage 1 = 83%; stage 2 = 62%; stage 3 = 58%, and stage 4 = 60%. Recurrence of Dupuytren's disease was significant for the PIP joint, severe Tubiana stage, and younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical results of PNF in Japanese patients with Dupuytren's contractures were similar to those of whites.

Critical Angles of Deformity in Dupuytren’s Contracture of the Little and Ring Fingers

Background: We aimed to determine the degree of contracture in the ring and little fingers at which hand function became importantly impaired.

Methods: Five activities of daily living were incorporated into a newly developed and validated Dupuytren’s assessment tool (DAT). Sixty healthy participants were assessed with the DAT wearing a range of 12 dorsal blocking splints. Half wore them on their right little finger, the other half on their ring finger. These induced flexion deformities mimicking DC of the MCPJ, PIPJ and a combination of the two. The angles of flexion deformity at which important hand disability occurred were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results: Clinically important hand disability occurred for the little finger MCPJ, PIPJ and combined MCPJ and PIPJ angulation at 52.5, 67.5, and 75 degrees respectively. For the ring finger joint, the angulations were 52.5, 67.5 and 75 degrees respectively.

Conclusions: This information will provide information for clinicians and patients as to when clinically important disability tends to occur in DC.

Management of complications of Dupuytren contracture

This evidence-based article discusses the current management options of Dupuytren disease and strategies to avoid and manage any potential complications. Treatment options include fasciectomy, needle fasciotomy/aponeurotomy, and collagenase injection. Complications include digital nerve and artery injury, flexor tendon injury, skin fissures and wound healing complications, hematoma, infection, flare reaction/complex regional pain syndrome, and recurrence. Complication rates, prevention, and management differ with each treatment modality. A detailed understanding of each of these options allows hand surgeons to select the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

A review of the classification of Dupuytren's disease

Although much has been published about the treatment of Dupuytren's disease, there is no clear consensus regarding the most effective form of treatment. Part of this uncertainty may result from the absence of a universal method of assessing this condition. We undertook a review of the literature in order to summarize the various methods by which Dupuytren's disease has been measured and quantified. We included all articles that offered a classification or assessment system for the disease. We excluded articles that dealt solely with surgical technique (although inevitably there was some overlap). We conclude that there are many methods of assessment, but that none of them is perfect and that further work is needed in the field.

Safety and tolerability of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum and fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture

Safety was evaluated for collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) based on 11 clinical trials (N = 1082) and compared with fasciectomy data in a structured literature review of 48 European studies (N = 7727) for treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Incidence of adverse events was numerically lower with CCH vs. equivalent complications from fasciectomy (median [range] incidence), including nerve injury (0% vs. 3.8% [0%-50+%]), neurapraxia (4.4% vs. 9.4% [0%-51.3%]), complex regional pain syndrome (0.1% vs. 4.5% [1.3%-18.5%]) and arterial injury (0% vs. 5.5% [0.8%-16.5%]). Tendon injury (0.3% vs. 0.1% [0%-0.2%]), skin injury (16.2% vs. 2.8% [0%-25.9%]) and haematoma (77.7% vs. 2.0% [0%-25%]) occurred at a numerically higher incidence with CCH than surgery. Adverse events in CCH trials not reported after fasciectomy included peripheral oedema; extremity pain; injection site pain, haemorrhage and swelling; tenderness; pruritus and lymphadenopathy. CCH-related adverse events were reported as predominantly injection-related and transient. These results may support clinical decision-making for treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

Hand function and quality of life before and after fasciectomy for Dupuytren contracture

PURPOSE

To describe changes in joint motion, sensibility, and scar pliability and to investigate the patients' expectations, self-reported recovery, and satisfaction with hand function, disability, and quality of life after surgery and hand therapy for Dupuytren disease.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study collected measurements before surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and hand therapy. Ninety patients with total active extension deficits of 60° or more from Dupuytren contracture were included. Outcomes measures were range of motion; sensibility; scar pliability; self-reported outcomes on expectations, recovery, and satisfaction with hand function; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; safety and social issues of hand function; physical activity habits; and quality of life with the Euroqol.

RESULTS

The extension deficit decreased, and there was a transient decrease in active finger flexion during the first year after surgery. Sensibility remained unaffected. Generally, patients with surgery on multiple fingers had worse scar pliability. The majority of the patients had their expectations met, and at 6 months, 32% considered hand function as fully recovered, and 73% were satisfied with their hand function. Fear of hurting the hand and worry about not trusting the hand function were of greatest concern among safety and social issues. The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and the Euroqol improved over time.

CONCLUSIONS

After surgery and hand therapy, disability decreased independent of single or multiple operated fingers. The total active finger extension improved enough for the patients to reach a functional range of motion despite an impairment of active finger flexion still present 12 months after treatment.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Efficacy and tolerability of Day 2 manipulation and local anaesthesia after collagenase injection in patients with Dupuytren's contracture

In clinical trials, treating Dupuytren's contracture with collagenase injection involves manipulation the day after injection, without local anaesthesia. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of manipulation 2 days after injection with local anaesthesia. Forty-five patients received 50 injections into cords contracting metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints; follow-up visits were at 3 and 14 weeks. For the metacarpophalangeal joints there were >90% reduction in contracture at both visits. The proximal interphalangeal joints that improved spontaneously after metacarpophalangeal injection or received direct injections showed 51-55% reduction in contracture. Changes in scores on the Patient Evaluation Measure suggest that patients perceived improvements in their hand function was good and they were satisfied with the procedure. Collagenase and local anaesthesia injections were well tolerated; adverse events were localized to the injection site and were mild and transient in nature. These findings provide another viable option for practising surgeons and may help with the logistics of patient care.

Radiotherapy in fascial fibromatosis: a case series, literature review and considerations for treatment of early-stage disease

INTRODUCTION

Palmar and plantar fascial fibromatoses are benign hyperproliferative disorders of the deep fascia of the palm and sole. This study seeks to examine the role of radiotherapy in the management of fascial fibromatosis.

METHOD

Six consecutive cases of early-stage fascial fibromatosis treated with radiotherapy at the Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre between July 2008 and May 2011 were analysed. The results of the case series were compared with a systematic review of the literature.

RESULTS

All six cases regressed or showed a reduction of symptoms following radiotherapy. Treatment was well tolerated with minor toxicities. Median follow-up for the case series was 38.5 months. The systematic review identified seven studies describing the use of radiotherapy as primary treatment for fascial fibromatosis between 1946 and 2013. The literature indicates that radiotherapy can prevent disease progression and improve symptoms for early-stage disease, with low likelihood of significant toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Early results from our case series are consistent with the literature, showing that radiotherapy can provide an effective management option for patients with early-stage fascial fibromatosis, and justify consideration of radiotherapy as a primary treatment for early-stage disease.

Dupuytren's disease: current state of the art

BACKGROUND

This review article critically examines the current literature for Dupuytren's disease.

METHODS

Five procedures are considered: dermofasciectomy, limited fasciectomy, segmental aponeurectomy, needle aponeurotomy, and collagenase injection. Studies regarding the efficacy of these treatments focus primarily on the initial degree of correction, rate of recurrence, and complications.

RESULTS

No one treatment has been declared superior and substantial controversy exists. Comparison between studies has been hampered by the absence of uniform definitions for clinical success and measurable disease progression. Traditional post-operative care includes formal therapy and night splinting, but recent studies have questioned the value of these adjuncts.

CONCLUSION

The extent of involvement at which the surgeon should intervene was previously well accepted by convention, but as the paradigm shifts towards less invasive procedures, treatment may be offered at an earlier stage. Future research should be structured to recognize the value-based decision making used by patients when selecting treatment.